Why Spinach is So Good for You

You may have realized by now that I have a love affair with fruits and veggies in general, and why not? They are so good for you.  I have blogged before on why apples are so good for you,  and the now is the perfect time of year to find delicious apples at the local farmer’s market in many parts of the country, plucked fresh from the vine.  But I also wanted to take time out to talk about spinach and why it is so good for you. I think oftentimes that people who are looking to eat healthier want to take the easy way out by eating fruits and that vegetables sometimes get thrown to the wayside. 

Spinach can be yummy and it is so healthy.  I didn’t really like spinach when I was growing up, and I don’t think most kids do.  But I have found as an adult that my taste buds appreciate flavors now that they didn’t when I was twelve and the Brussels sprouts made their way around the table.  If you haven’t eaten spinach as an adult, you might actually find that you have acquired a taste for it.  I love spinach myself and not just because I’m fond of the old Popeye cartoons.

Here’s why:

• Spinach gets top billing on many super foods lists because the health benefits of spinach are blatant and well-documented. 
• Spinach contains calcium, which is necessary for maintaining strong bones. 
• Spinach is a rich source of Vitamins C, A, fiber, magnesium and folic acid, all of which are through to prevent cancer of the lung, breast, and colon.
• The folate in spinach can lower the level of homocysteine in the body, which is a protein that has been shown to damage arteries. 
• Spinach has been found to protect the heart from heart disease. 
• Flavonoids in spinach can protect you from age-related memory loss. 
• Lutein in spinach can prevent cataracts and fight macular degeneration, which causes blindness.  Lutein is also thought to stave off cancer.

Spinach is more nutrient dense when fresh, but you can also use frozen spinach (be sure to allow it to thaw and that you drain it first) to work spinach into your diet.  Add chopped spinach to your favorite pasta or rice dish, or to your favorite veggie soup.  Add fresh spinach to a low cal sandwich in lieu of lettuce.  Spinach is delicious in an omelet made with egg beaters and low fat cheese.

Enjoy!
Juliet

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